Family-centered practice is at the core of child welfare work, including work with children and youth in group and residential care. The following resources highlight the importance of working with families to achieve positive outcomes for children and youth in care.
Engaging Families in the Residential Treatment Process Utilizing Family-Directed Structural Therapy
McLendon, McLendon, & Hatch (2012)
Residential Treatment for Children and Youth, 29(1)
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Summarizes qualitative and quantitative literature specific to family involvement in children's residential treatment and highlights the lack of specific types or methods of family therapy/interventions that might provide effective outcomes with this population. This article includes an overview of Family-Directed Structural Therapy and corresponding assessment tools.
Enhancing Family Engagement in Interventions for Mental Health Problems in Youth
Herman, Borden, Hsu, Schultz, Carney, Brooks, & Reinke (2011)
Residential Treatment for Children and Youth, 28(2)
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Describes a method for promoting initial and sustained parent participation in residential care service delivery. The Family Check-Up is a structured intervention that integrates aspects of both parent engagement and motivational interviewing methods.
Family Connection Discretionary Grants: 2012 Funded Comprehensive Residential Family Treatment Projects Final Cross-Site Evaluation Report (PDF - 1,638)
James Bell Associates (2016)
Presents findings from a study that examined the effectiveness of five projects that provided comprehensive residential treatment services to families impacted by the child welfare system. The report addresses processes and outcomes at various levels and includes results of a survey administered to grantee leadership, staff, service providers, and collaborating partners that assesses multiple aspects of implementation and impact. The executive summary (PDF - 463 KB) is also available.
Family-Driven Care in America: More Than a Good Idea
Spencer, Blau, & Mallery (2010)
Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 19(3)
Provides a history of how family-driven care has evolved in the mental health care system for children and youth in the United States.
The Future of Family Engagement in Residential Care Settings
Affronti & Levison-Johnson (2009)
Residential Treatment for Children and Youth, 26(4)
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Reviews the literature on the use of family engagement practices and family-centered practices in residential programs and treatment centers in order to identify evidence-based and best practices and recommend specific strategies and critical steps needed to promote a culture and practice change initiative within residential care settings.
Redefining Residential: Family-Driven Care in Residential Treatment–Family Members Speak
(PDF -331 KB)
Association of Children's Residential Centers (2009)
Reports input from family members of children and youth in residential settings who offered their insight on how professionals can promote family involvement in the areas of legislation, higher education, advocacy, communication, and support.
Residential Treatment: A Review of the National Literature (PDF - 339 KB)
Walter (2007)
Summarizes current trends, challenges, and knowledge about residential treatment and examines existing efforts to make residential treatment more family-centered through consistent involvement of families as partners in residential treatment and regular contact.